EX-RUGBY star Danny Cipriani smokes a strong morning spliff — months after proudly claiming: “I’m free from substances and never been happier.”

The 36-year-old was snapped topless and openly puffing away early in the morning in a street in North Hollywood, California.

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Danny Cipriani pictured smoking a spliff in the street months after claiming he was free from substancesCredit: Splash

The ex-rugby ace takes a puff of the cannabis spliffCredit: Splash

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The 36-year-old was snapped topless and openly puffing away early in the morning in a street in North Hollywood, CaliforniaCredit: Splash
The retired England fly-half – in the US with new actress lover AnnaLynne McCord – was also seen later smoking with a shirt on.

It comes after he is reported to have landed a big-money deal to take part in Netflix’s reality show Bear Hunt, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Bear Grylls.

Cipriani, who has spoken openly of his previous drug and alcohol abuse, is thought to have bought the pre-rolled joint from a shop called Project Cannabis, near where he is staying.

It came in a $5 tube labelled Green Crack, a high-potency marijuana strain known for its “energising effects”.

While smoking cannabis is illegal in the UK, recreational use is legal in California and 24 other US states.

Two weeks ago, Cipriani went public on his romance with AnnaLynne, 36, who played scheming Eden Lord on the US medical TV drama Nip/Tuck.

She also appeared in the reboot of hit drama 90210.

It came after The Sun revealed the pair had grown close and were enjoying a “spiritual holiday” in Egypt.

Cipriani’s estranged wife Victoria Rose hit back, saying: “Nice to see my husband has moved on but his belongings and clothes in our house, in our drawers, still haven’t moved on.”

Just eight months ago, Cipriani told The Sun on Sunday he was “free” from substances.

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He admitted he overdid opioid painkiller tramadol, had dabbled with cocaine and even smoked crystalised toad venom.

Cipriani insisted he could control his use, which helped him deal with trauma and pain from sporting injuries.

However he revealed he ended up in the Priory in 2020 after consuming too many magic mushrooms.

He told how he threw himself down stone steps during a “psychotic episode”, convinced wife Victoria was trying to kill him.

Cipriani — who was seen smoking the spliff on April 25 — was approached for comment.

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Cipriani is thought to have bought a pre-rolled joint from a shop called Project Cannabis, near where he is stayingCredit: Splash

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Cipriani with Hollywood actress AnnaLynne McCord